Prayer

Question 1

SOA for teaching children prayer?

Answer 1

‘These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.’ (Deuteronomy)

Question 2

When are Jews expected to pray each day?

Answer 2

Morning - Shacharit
Midday - Minchah
Evening - Ma’ariv

• The Shema should be apart of morning and evening prayer
• Orthodox - seen as a MITZVOT to pray 3 times a day and after a meal

Question 3

Why do Jews pray?

Answer 3

• To communicate/become closer to God
• To feel connected with the Jews in their community - reminds them of their beliefs, said at festival + at the synagogue
• Because God told them to (‘Honour God’ Exodus)

Question 4

What is the Siddur?

Answer 4

Printed Jewish prayer book:
* The Shema
* Grace
* Amidah
* Aleinu
* Other prayers used throughout the year

Question 5

What is the Amidah? What makes it important?

Answer 5

• “Standing prayer”, recited in synagogue whilst facing the Temple (in Jerusalem)
• Contains blessings that can be split into 3 sections: praising God, asking for help, thanksgiving
• FORBIDDEN to interupt, considered a convo with God
• Said quietly, can only hear themselves praying
• SAID DURING THE 3 SYNAGOGUE SERVICES

Question 6

What is the Aleinu? When is it said?

Answer 6

• Said as a closing prayer at the end of a synagogue service
  -gives praise and thanks to God

Question 7

SOA for teaching children prayer? pt.2

can be used in christianity as well!!

Answer 7

‘Train up your child in the way he should go; he will not depart from it’ (Proverbs)

Question 8

What is the Shema? Why is it important?

Answer 8

• The Jewish declaration of faith, said 2 times a day
  -recited with three fingers on the head, shows respect and obedience to God
  -mitzvot to say each day
  -reminds Jews of the need to follow the mitzvot and the importance of loving God

Question 9

What is the first key part of the Shema? (used as SOA)

Answer 9

‘Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.’

Question 10

Divergence around prayer?

Answer 10

LANGUAGE
-Orthodox: praying in Hebrew is the proper way, original text in Hebrew
-Reform: saying prayers in own language is fine, could make prayer more personal and meaningful

Question 11

What is a mezuzah?

Answer 11

• Small box found on the doorframe in Jewish household
  -contains scripture from the Torah, touched whilst walking past as a sign of respect
  -not placed outside bathrooms

Question 12

Jewish attire for prayer?

Answer 12

• Kippah - brimless cap, Orthodox men or Reform woman: sign of reverance and recognition for God, there is something “above” watching them (woman wear a scarf/wig if not reform)
• Tallit - prayer shawl, Orthodox men or Reform woman: can cover head or around shoulders, 613 tzit-tzit representative of mitzvot they must follow, reminder of God’s presence surrounding them
• Tefillin - small box containing Torah verses strapped onto forehead + arm, Orthodox men: God’s words should control their thoughts (head) and actions (arm)
  Reform do not wear, see this command as symbolic

Question 13

SOA for tefillin?

Answer 13

‘Fix these words of mine into your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them to your foreheads’ (Deuteronomy)